Stop Illegal Reentry Act

Summary#

This bill changes the rules and penalties for people who have been removed and then enter or are found in the country again without permission. It updates the definition of "removal" to include cases where a person agrees to removal during a criminal trial. The bill replaces some current wording to make the Secretary of Homeland Security the official who can give permission to reapply for admission. It sets penalties: a person who reenters without required permission may face fines under Title 18 and up to 5 years in prison. Higher penalties apply in specific cases — up to 10 years in prison for people with certain past convictions or certain types of prior removals, and a mandatory prison term of 5 to 20 years for people previously convicted of an aggravated felony or convicted twice for illegal reentry.

What it means for you#

  • If you were removed and you come back, try to come back, or are found in the country without the Secretary of Homeland Security's permission, you could face criminal charges.
  • General cases: fines and up to 5 years in prison.
  • Certain prior convictions or removal categories: up to 10 years in prison.
  • Mandatory minimums: 5 to 20 years in prison for those with an aggravated felony conviction or two prior illegal reentry convictions.
  • The bill clarifies that prior permission to reapply must come from the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Expenses#

  • The bill allows fines under Title 18 of the U.S. Code, but does not set dollar amounts.
  • It specifies prison terms (up to 5 years, up to 10 years, and mandatory 5–20 years in different cases).
  • No publicly available information on estimated costs to the federal budget or enforcement agencies.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.